Welcome along to the second part of my Super League Top 60 Players series, counting down my best 60 players from the season just gone. This part will reveal positions 35 to 21.
In part one, I revealed positions 60 to 36. For anyone who missed this part, or would like a recap, you can find it here. The photo below shows the players that have filled the positions that have been occupied so far - Jordan Rankin, Weller Hauraki, Stefan Ratchford, Sam Tomkins, Liam Marshall, Albert Kelly, Mike McMeeken, Josh Charnley, Danny Houghton, Trent Merrin, Julian Bousquet, Ken Sio, Bill Tupou, Willie Isa, Tui Lolohea, Kane Linnett, Theo Fages, Harry Newman, Rhys Williams, Kelepi Tanginoa, Alex Mellor, Tony Gigot, Mike Cooper, Dominique Peyroux and Mark Percival.
Now then, on with Part Two...
35) GIL DUDSON
Season Highlight:
Getting only his second try of the season as Salford comfortably ran over Wigan to book their place in the Grand Final.
Salford prop Gil Dudson was in last chance saloon when he joined the Red Devils from Widnes at the start of 2019 and has repaid Salford's faith in him with an extremely consistent season. Ian Watson's forwards haven't been the most impressive in terms of yardage and metres made, though they make up for that with their work-rate and reliability. The Welshman has got his career back on track at the AJ Bell and was thoroughly deserving of a try in the semi-final win over former club Wigan.
34) JORDAN RANKIN
Season Highlight:
Scoring the winning try at the Halliwell Jones Stadium as Castleford defeated Warrington in the first round of the playoffs.
Ex-Huddersfield creator Jordan Rankin has made a very positive start to life at Castleford under Daryl Powell. He has alternated between playing in the halves and at full back, with his most successful performances being at the latter. His rugby brain has led him to 12 assists this campaign, as well as crossing the whitewash for nine tries of his own - including a winner in the playoffs away at Wire. His versatility and clever attacking play means that Castleford fans are delighted to have him tied down for another year at the Jungle.
33) KRISNAN INU
Season Highlight:
Successfully kicking eight goals out of eight to help Salford on their way to Old Trafford with the semi-final win away at Wigan.
Like Dudson, Inu signed for Salford from the Widnes Vikings at the start of the 2019 and went on to have a superb year. Playing in both the centres and on the wings, the 32-year-old has been so solid for Ian Watson's team, and has also taken on the role of the goalkicker - a duty that he has improved in as the year has gone on. He also has seven tries this season, including two away at Warrington, as well as a very impressive 101 tackle busts.
32) ASH HANDLEY
Season Highlight:
Being rewarded for his 22 tries in 2019 by being named in Super League's Dream Team for the first time.
For much of the second half of 2019, it looked as if Leeds Rhinos' Ash Handley would be Super League's top tryscorer. He narrowly missed out to Tommy Makinson, but Handley can still be delighted with his tally of 22 tries in 28 appearances. His finishing ability has improved greatly over the course of the year and he has of course benefitted from having the assist machine of Konrad Hurrell alongside him to provide service. Handley's dangerous running game has seen him produce 91 tackle busts and an excellent 31 clean breaks.
31) JAKE CONNOR
Season Highlight:
An audacious offload leading to a great team try as part of a magical solo performance away at Castleford in June.
In my opinion Jake Connor is one of the most naturally gifted players in Super League and at times in 2019, he showed that. His skill and imagination make him a great watch and a nightmare for defences - when he is on song. His performance at Castleford away this season was generational and was Connor at his best. He's spent most of 2019 in the centres, though has had some time in the halves as well as a few spells on the bench also. Unfortunately, his inconsistency and major questions over both his attitude and discipline prevent him from being among Super League's elite - because he is certainly not lacking in the talent department.
30) JOSH GRIFFIN
Season Highlight:
Winning Hull FC's player of the year award after scoring 12 tries and getting four assists in 2019.
The likes of Albert Kelly, Ratu Naulago, Marc Sneyd and the man above Griffin - Jake Connor - tend to get the plaudits at Hull FC, but Josh Griffin is a remarkably consistent player who has had a very good season for the black and whites. The 29-year-old has played both at centre and in the second row and has done a very respectable job in both positions, with 12 tries a thoroughly decent return. The best moment of his season was probably finishing off a simply jaw-dropping team move away at Catalans in Hull's best performance of the season.
29) KONRAD HURRELL
Season Highlight:
14 tries and seven assists in his first season at Leeds earning him a place in Super League's Dream Team.
The Tongan powerhouse has been an absolute revelation for Leeds this season. After signing from Gold Coast Titans, the new recruit has proven to be a wonderful weapon and a deadly finisher in his maiden Super League campaign. His size, strength and physicality near make him near-impossible to stop when close to the line, and his 14 tries have made him the second highest-scoring centre in the league. His ability to draw a player in with his brute strength is arguably his biggest asset and this has helped him to seven assists. Hurrell has been crucial to Ash Handley's 22 tries this year. The only deficiency in his game that prevents me from ranking him higher is his defensive contributions - he is a little shaky without the ball in my opinion.
28) LUKE YATES
Season Highlight:
Making more than 1000 tackles in 2019 for London, including 63, with just one missed, in their away win at Hull KR in Round 28.
The Australian may have only spent a year in the capital city, but ever since signing for London from Newcastle Knights in the NRL, Yates has been tremendous. An incredibly hard-working player, Yates missed just one match all season as London bravely battled against relegation. In 28 appearances, he made over 30 tackles 27 times. This stunning record meant that he ended up making the second highest number of tackles of anyone in Super League, with 1211. A very talented loose forward or prop, at just 24 years of age, he is an excellent acquisition for Salford for next year.
The Australian may have only spent a year in the capital city, but ever since signing for London from Newcastle Knights in the NRL, Yates has been tremendous. An incredibly hard-working player, Yates missed just one match all season as London bravely battled against relegation. In 28 appearances, he made over 30 tackles 27 times. This stunning record meant that he ended up making the second highest number of tackles of anyone in Super League, with 1211. A very talented loose forward or prop, at just 24 years of age, he is an excellent acquisition for Salford for next year.
27) BRYSON GOODWIN
Season Highlight:
A powerful run to the line for his 100th career try to cap off an excellent performance against Catalans in June.
One of Warrington's most under-rated players this season has been centre Bryson Goodwin, who has now departed after two seasons to rejoin South Sydney Rabbitohs. Goodwin has been very consistent in both attack and defence, and has been one of very few Wire players to maintain a positive performance level in the second half of the season. Eight tries is very respectable, with several of those being great solo tries including his scores against Catalans and Hull KR. Goodwin has a decent physical game and a very tidy step on him, and it is these assets, as well as his work-rate and consistency, that Warrington will miss in 2020.
One of Warrington's most under-rated players this season has been centre Bryson Goodwin, who has now departed after two seasons to rejoin South Sydney Rabbitohs. Goodwin has been very consistent in both attack and defence, and has been one of very few Wire players to maintain a positive performance level in the second half of the season. Eight tries is very respectable, with several of those being great solo tries including his scores against Catalans and Hull KR. Goodwin has a decent physical game and a very tidy step on him, and it is these assets, as well as his work-rate and consistency, that Warrington will miss in 2020.
26) JOE PHILBIN
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Making 159 metres in Warrington's Round 26 defeat to Wigan, a stand-out performer as many of his team-mates embarrassed themselves.
Wigan have had Morgan Smithies and St Helens have had Matty Lees, while for Warrington, the top young player this season has by a mile been Joe Philbin. Perhaps a slightly late bloomer at 24, Philbin has really come into his own this season and become one of Wire's most crucial players. The forward has made just eight errors in 26 Super League outings, demonstrating his reliability. What has impressed me most about Philbin is his phenomenal impact from the bench - unleashing him on the opposition always has a positive effect on the game because of his energy and superb metre-making. In Joe Philbin, Warrington have a player who is building his way to being a top-class Super League forward, and he was very deserving of his call-up to the Great Britain squad.
Wigan have had Morgan Smithies and St Helens have had Matty Lees, while for Warrington, the top young player this season has by a mile been Joe Philbin. Perhaps a slightly late bloomer at 24, Philbin has really come into his own this season and become one of Wire's most crucial players. The forward has made just eight errors in 26 Super League outings, demonstrating his reliability. What has impressed me most about Philbin is his phenomenal impact from the bench - unleashing him on the opposition always has a positive effect on the game because of his energy and superb metre-making. In Joe Philbin, Warrington have a player who is building his way to being a top-class Super League forward, and he was very deserving of his call-up to the Great Britain squad.
25) MORGAN SMITHIES
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Famously completing 72 tackles in Wigan's playoff game against Salford, setting a new all-time Super League record in the process.
The rise of Morgan Smithies has been a great story for Super League in 2019. The Halifax-born Wigan forward has made a name for himself as a tackling machine and has cemented his place in Wigan's strongest 17 with his astonishing work-rate and tackle completion. Smithies has made over 20 tackles in every single one of his appearances this season and wrote his name into the Super League history books by breaking the record for most tackles made in a Super League match, with 72. A player for the future yes, but also a player for now.
The rise of Morgan Smithies has been a great story for Super League in 2019. The Halifax-born Wigan forward has made a name for himself as a tackling machine and has cemented his place in Wigan's strongest 17 with his astonishing work-rate and tackle completion. Smithies has made over 20 tackles in every single one of his appearances this season and wrote his name into the Super League history books by breaking the record for most tackles made in a Super League match, with 72. A player for the future yes, but also a player for now.
24) REGAN GRACE
Season Highlight:
A lightning-quick individual try against Warrington in April, racing 73 metres to score.
St Helens' Welsh wizard has been in magical form for the newly-crowned Super League champions in 2019, racing his way to 20 tries on the Saints' left. His pace has helped him to make a huge 101 tackle busts and 32 clean breaks, exemplified perfectly in his try of the season contender at home to Warrington in April. He is also good at the yardage work of a winger, making 2646 metres this season. If there is one area of his game to work on, it is his defence.
St Helens' Welsh wizard has been in magical form for the newly-crowned Super League champions in 2019, racing his way to 20 tries on the Saints' left. His pace has helped him to make a huge 101 tackle busts and 32 clean breaks, exemplified perfectly in his try of the season contender at home to Warrington in April. He is also good at the yardage work of a winger, making 2646 metres this season. If there is one area of his game to work on, it is his defence.
23) JAKE TRUEMAN
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
A superb individual performance featuring a hat-trick of tries and two assists as Castleford thumped Hull FC in Round 28 to secure their playoff place.
The pre-season injury to Luke Gale meant that there has been huge pressure on 20-year-old Jake Trueman this season, but he has risen to it and produced a stellar season for Castleford. With eight tries and 13 assists, he has been a regular contributor for Daryl Powell's team, he ranks top in the attacking kicks category from anyone in Super League with 168. Trueman's performance in the win over Hull in the penultimate round will live long in the memory for Castleford fans, a great hat-trick as well as a brace of assists, including a glorious dummy for one of his three scores. Trueman is a generational talent and it is essential for Castleford's future that they hang on to him. Will be interesting to see what kind of partnership he forms with Danny Richardson next year.
The pre-season injury to Luke Gale meant that there has been huge pressure on 20-year-old Jake Trueman this season, but he has risen to it and produced a stellar season for Castleford. With eight tries and 13 assists, he has been a regular contributor for Daryl Powell's team, he ranks top in the attacking kicks category from anyone in Super League with 168. Trueman's performance in the win over Hull in the penultimate round will live long in the memory for Castleford fans, a great hat-trick as well as a brace of assists, including a glorious dummy for one of his three scores. Trueman is a generational talent and it is essential for Castleford's future that they hang on to him. Will be interesting to see what kind of partnership he forms with Danny Richardson next year.
22) ZEB TAIA
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Scoring a try from the base of the scrum in the Grand Final, crashing over after a reverse ball from James Roby.
A real fans' favourite on Merseyside, Zeb Taia has made a name for himself as one of the best second rowers in Super League. He is a fearless, ferocious runner and has become incredibly reliable for St Helens - a far cry from the player he was when Justin Holbrook took over in 2017. With tries in both the playoff semi-final and the Grand Final at Old Trafford, he has established himself as a huge player for Saints. Despite being 35 years of age, he regularly makes more than 100 metres, including at Old Trafford, where he made 156, his highest of the year. A proper rugby league player.
A real fans' favourite on Merseyside, Zeb Taia has made a name for himself as one of the best second rowers in Super League. He is a fearless, ferocious runner and has become incredibly reliable for St Helens - a far cry from the player he was when Justin Holbrook took over in 2017. With tries in both the playoff semi-final and the Grand Final at Old Trafford, he has established himself as a huge player for Saints. Despite being 35 years of age, he regularly makes more than 100 metres, including at Old Trafford, where he made 156, his highest of the year. A proper rugby league player.
21) DAVID FIFITA
Season Highlight:
Season Highlight:
Seven tackle busts and 168 metres in a top-class forward performance as Wakefield beat Wigan in Round Ten.
An unstoppable force and an immovable object, David Fifita is everything a rugby league player should be: big, brave, hard-working, fearless and tough. The 30-year-old Australian is one of the most destructive and dangerous players in the league because of his size, strength and physicality and has at times carried Wakefield through this season. The big bopper has made 141 tackle busts from 311 carries, a remarkable demonstration of how difficult to handle he can be. When you consider that he's been battling niggling injuries all season, it makes his performance level even more impressive. Absolutely one of the very best props in Super League.
An unstoppable force and an immovable object, David Fifita is everything a rugby league player should be: big, brave, hard-working, fearless and tough. The 30-year-old Australian is one of the most destructive and dangerous players in the league because of his size, strength and physicality and has at times carried Wakefield through this season. The big bopper has made 141 tackle busts from 311 carries, a remarkable demonstration of how difficult to handle he can be. When you consider that he's been battling niggling injuries all season, it makes his performance level even more impressive. Absolutely one of the very best props in Super League.
We are now two of four parts through my top 60 players series, with just the top 20 players remaining. Remember to check out Part One if you haven't done so already, and keep an eye out for parts three and four very soon. Let me know your thoughts on these rankings, and which 20 players do you think are still to come?
Daniel (@aloosewire)
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